Duties: The successful candidate will establish a vigorous, externally funded, internationally recognized research program on sustainable practices with respect to horticultural (specialty) crops including, but not limited to, emphasis on urban horticulture, in-and off-season local production for a north-central U.S. seasonal climate, and controlled environment agriculture. The successful candidate is expected to take a visionary approach to horticultural crop production and management with respect to integration of existing or new technology, achieving economic and social viability, and development of environment-friendly best practices. State-of-the-art laboratory, greenhouse, controlled-environment, and open-field plant-growth facilities are available within the Purdue HLA Department and College of Agriculture. This will be an academic-year position with a primary research appointment. The successful candidate will, however, be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses relevant to sustainable horticultural cropping systems. The individual will serve as a member of the graduate faculty and be expected to mentor graduate students and post-doctoral research associates. Numerous opportunities exist for collaborative research within the HLA Department and across the strong research community at Purdue University. Collaborative research at regional, national, and international levels is strongly encouraged. Further information about the position may be obtained from the chair of the search committee: Dr. Cary A. Mitchell (Email: cmitchel@purdue.edu).

Qualifications: A Ph.D. degree in horticulture, plant science, agricultural engineering, plant ecology, or a closely related field. Experience in systems analysis and a multidisciplinary orientation would be valuable skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential. Although the appointment has no formal engagement component, the position has obvious linkages to commercial industry. Interest in international dimensions of sustainable horticultural cropping systems also is desirable.

Compensation: Salary will be competitive and commensurate with professional experience. Academic-year appointment with excellent fringe benefits that include employer contributions to the individual’s retirement program, medical, life & disability insurance, and sabbatical-leave opportunities.

The College:The Department is an integral part of the College of Agriculture, one of the world’s leading colleges of agricultural, food, life, and natural resource sciences and ranked number 6 globally in the 2013 QS World University Rankings. The College is deeply committed to the three land-grant missions (teaching, research, and extension),to international activities and perspectives that span all missions, and to supporting a diverse and inclusive environment focused on excellence in all we do. The College has 11 academic departments and includes 320 faculty, 2704 undergraduate students, and 690 graduate students. The College’s strategic plan can be accessed at https://www2.ag.purdue.edu/Pages/strategicplan.aspx.

Application: Screening of applicants will begin January 17, 2014, although applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The target date for filling the position is July 1, 2014. Qualified persons are requested to submit a letter of application that includes the following items:

Statement of professional goals for proposed research and teaching program

Curriculum vitae including publications

Names and contact information, including email address, of four referees

A background check is required for employment in this position.
All application material should be sent electronically as .pdf files to:

Purdue University is an EEO/AA employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.